Core 1:

* Quarter 2 question: How do we continually push the boundaries of what is possible?

* Watch what is possible when you don’t let the boundaries bind you:

* Space and Time

* Second Life

* How can you use another author’s words to prove your point?

* What are the attributes of a good quotation?

* How do you plug that quotation into a persuasive paper?

* How do you use those words to weave your own theories and ideas?

* Extensions:

* Practice proving a point with someone else’s words by writing out 3 quotations from any book and then proving something about the book (characters, plot, theme, etc.) with them (for Wednesday).

Core 2:

* Quarter 2 Question: How would you define “us vs. them?”

* What does “Roll of Thunder, Hear my Cry?” mean to you?

* Read chapter 1.

* Use the five types of characterization to explore Cassie.

* Extensions: finish the five types of characterization quick character sketch (10 actions and 5 of the other four categories) and finish reading chapter 1.

Core 3:

* Quarter 2 Question: What are the boundaries of what is possible?

* In our Language Arts classroom?

* In Merchant of Venice?

* “Perform” your MOV podcasts.

* What do we learn from this summary that we did not learn from any other?

* How does this format lend itself to the rest of our work with MOV?

* Read 2 more scenes in MOV

* How does the relationship between Bassanio and Antonio develop?

* What is our first impression of Shylock?

* Extensions:

* Due Thursday: Write out what you believe the boundaries of Shylock’s life are?

Core 4:

* Quarter 2 question: How do we continually push the boundaries of what is possible?

* Watch what is possible when you don’t let the boundaries bind you:

* Space and Time

* Second Life

* Finish the persuasive speeches (and recordings) and debrief.

* What were some of the most persuasive things you heard?

* What were some of the best uses of language?

* Did these things intersect?

* Extensions:

* Make sure you have your multi-cultural novel finished and your persuasion and change notes for our discussion.

Sometimes we get so caught up in creating the system and the environment for learning that we forget about the most important element of that environment: creation. The singular act of creation is not something to be glazed over; it is the backbone of all that we do, and sometimes we need people to remind us of this.

I am now convinced that the only way to create widespread change within our schools is to articulate a singular vision for the future of education. I don’t know if I am the person to articulate that vision yet, but I am working toward it.

This podcast is all about how I am starting my year. I would love to know how you are starting your year and how we can collaborate (share) any of the resources and systems that we have set up. Send me an e-mail at [email protected]

This is the first podcast in over a month because I needed to upgrade for more storage space. It is not an enhanced podcast, but I’m sure it will be illuminating nonetheless.

I was trying to figure out which content management system to use for The Academy of Discovery. I am still not sure if I picked the best one, but I am pretty confident that we are doing some great things. Check it out at http://academyofdiscovery.com.

I don’t know when it happened, but I have started using the word “we” in my podcast and blog when I would normally use the word “I.” I believe that it is due to my increased awareness and involvement of the community that I have surrounded myself with. I also think that many more of “us” should start using “we” when “we” write and speak. It makes me feel like I am a part of something, that “we” are going in a particular direction. I want “us” to be aware of how amazing “our” community can become, so long as we don’t fall into some of the pitfalls that I describe in the podcast. Let me know what you think of this idea at [email protected].

The image for this podcast is by http://flickr.com/photos/factoids/. I think it is amazing.

* 00:00:00: Intro to I vs. We

Podcast Blog

* 00:02:00: Shoutout to Geeked!

Geeked! Podcast

* 00:02:59: The Difference between I and We

Image Attribution

* 00:04:51: I have a community!Edubloggerworld, my community?

* 00:07:28: The Coallition of We

Support Blogging

* 00:08:12: Chris Lehmann’s Addition

Humility

* 00:08:47: The Moment of Switch-Over

* 00:10:54: The 1:1 We connectionRipe Environment: Connection

* 00:14:02: Conclusion to I vs. We

My Blog

Well, it has been a week or so since I got back from San Fransisco where I accepted the Totally Wired Teacher Award for 2007 from Edutopia and Yahoo for Teachers. This podcast has the introduction and my speech. I don’t think that it is particularly eloquent, but I do think that it goes right along with everything that I have worked for on this podcast. Let me know what you think.

* 00:00:00: Anastasia Goodstein’s Introduction

Ypulse Blog

* 00:00:40: Karon Weber’s Introduction

An interview with Karon Weber

* 00:05:12: My short speech

My blog

Well, this is the official podcast about my interview with Littleton Public Schools. Although I was passionate and had a great experience in the interview, I was not offered the job. That made my decision to leave the classroom much easier. I still think that this podcast is relevant to anyone else who is thinking about leaving the classroom. I also outline the idea that passion and vision are the two elements that will allow you to progress professionally and personally. I think that I will continue to explore these ideas in the classroom next year, and I am ecstatic that I will have one more year to implement all of the ideas from this podcast into my practice.

Show Notes:

* 00:00:00: Intro To Interview at LPS

The Most Change for The Most Students

* 00:01:51: The Ripe Environment

The First Blog Post

* 00:03:09: Why do I want to work here?

My Google Document

* 00:06:38: The Post-Interview ReflectionMy Blog

This podcast is pretty heavy:

I was in Osawatomie, KS for the 4th of July. It flooded earlier in the week, and my sister-in-law lost her car and her apartment due to this natural disaster. This event really got me thinking about how we can use the technology that our schools provide (especially in 1:1 programs) in order to create social networks for a community. I hope that we can start putting together ideas like Steve Hargadon’s Public Web Stations (link below) in non-crisis times. If you have any ideas about how to do this, please shoot me an e-mail at [email protected]

I am also interested in knowing if you would rather I don’t include links and pictures with my podcast, but rather simply upload the mp3 file. If you have an opinion either way, please post a comment on this podcast.

Show Notes:

* 00:00:00: Intro to Osawatomie Flooding

Pictures

* 00:02:12: Supporting the people of Osawatomie

News Article and Support Links

* 00:03:02: The 1:1 Social Network

The Osawatomie 1:1 Initiative

* 00:06:24: The New School Community Center

* 00:07:51: Steve Hargadon’s Public Web Stations

Public Web Stations

* 00:09:53: Bridging Social Networks and Analog Communities

* 00:12:15: How do we use tech in our schools to benefit the community?

My Blog

Cores 1-2:

* Discuss-on: What is Remix Culture?

* Watch the Remix Culture in Generation Y video and discuss:

* What is okay to copy?

* What isn’t?

* What is a remix?

* What is a parody?

* Who owns an idea?

Cores 3-4:

* I have just been selected to be a part of the Digital Educator program for 2007-2010. What this means is that I will mentoring other teachers in the the use of technology in classroom. Right up my alley, wouldn’t you say?

* The best part, though, is that I get to build a technology toolkit to use in my classroom, and they have given me some really tempting choices. I would like you to help me to pick out what I should get because you are going to be using this stuff too.

* The toolkit is based on a point system (1 point=about $100). I have 30 points to play with, but I have to get a 13 point laptop, so really I only have 17 points to work with. Please select the items accordingly and give a compelling reason for each choice. Write down what you want to use this item for next year. I will select from your proposals, and hopefully you will have had the best reasons for your choices. Time to check out the great stuff we can have.